Paul Scholes believes Newcastle striker Alexander Isak should aim for a ‘bigger and better’ move than Arsenal.
Paul Scholes Questions Arsenal’s Pursuit of Alexander Isak
Arsenal’s pursuit of Isak has been a hot topic in the transfer market, but Manchester United legend Scholes believes the Swedish international should swerve a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have been linked with Isak for some time, with Mikel Arteta looking to bolster his attacking options.
Isak has been in stellar form this season, netting 17 Premier League goals and solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s top strikers.
However, with Newcastle reportedly valuing him at over £100 million, Arsenal couldn’t feasibly make a deal happen during the January transfer window.
“He has to go to bigger and better!” 🗣️
Would Alexander Isak be the perfect missing piece for Arsenal, or is there a bigger move on the horizon? 👀 pic.twitter.com/1pBWjEzprX
— The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) February 11, 2025
Scholes: Isak Should Aim for Real Madrid or Liverpool
Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes expressed doubts over the possibility of Isak choosing Arsenal as his next destination. He suggested that the 24-year-old should target a club with a greater chance of winning major titles.
“Everyone loves him, but I don’t see a possibility of him going to Arsenal,” Scholes said. “He needs to go bigger and better.
“We’re talking about Real Madrid here, Liverpool need a centre forward. I think Arsenal would be an option, but I think they would be down the list of options.
“I don’t mean that in a bad way, but he’s at Newcastle, a really good team, a brilliant team, but they’re not going to win league titles. That’s the next stage of his career.”
Scholes also pointed out that a move to Arsenal might not be the step up Isak is looking for in his career, arguing that clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid would offer him a better chance of securing silverware.
“I think it would be a risk to go to Arsenal and do the same thing. Liverpool have got a much better chance, Man City and Real Madrid the same.
“I think his sights should be higher than Arsenal. He is a player Man United would be looking at but in the position we’re in now… it’s not going to happen.”
Scholesy saying he can't see Isak going to Arsenal as he needs to go bigger and better. Pure troll lol! Everyone knows Arsenal are an Isak from winning the league or UCL. Not much bigger than that and Madrid don't need him
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) February 11, 2025
Arsenal’s Transfer Struggles: January Window Frustrations
Arsenal were one of the few top clubs that failed to make a signing during the January transfer window, despite strong links to both Alexander Isak and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Financial constraints and high asking prices played a role in the club’s inability to bring in reinforcements.
Arteta, reflecting on the lack of transfers, admitted his disappointment but emphasised the importance of staying disciplined in the market.
“We had a clear intention, which is always when a window opens, to explore the opportunities to improve our squad with players that can make an impact.
“With players injured, we’ve been impacted, and we haven’t achieved it. We are disappointed in that sense but as well, we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that as well.’
Can Arsenal Afford Isak This Summer?
With Arsenal expected to revisit the market for a striker in the summer, Isak remains a key transfer target, alongside RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
However, securing the Swede will be no easy feat, especially if other big clubs join the race, as Scholes suggests.
Arsenal’s need for a prolific goalscorer is clear, especially after a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to Newcastle, where they lost 4-0 across the two legs.
The Gunners are currently six points behind league leaders Liverpool and will need to find a clinical finisher if they hope to mount a serious title challenge next season.
